COBALT 'BULLETS'

Press, Volume XCV, Issue 28222, 9 March 1957, Page 9

COBALT 'BULLETS'

PROTECTION FOR SHEEP A novel method of protecting sheep against Vitamin 812 deficiency and phalaris staggers has been developed by the Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation Division of Biochemistry and General Nutrition. “Bullets” made from a baked mixture of cobalt oxide and china clay are swallowed by the sheep and lodge in the rumen or the adjacent fore-stomach. They provide the sheep with an adequate supply of the essential element cobalt.

Cobalt deficiency in sheep occurs in various areas throughout Australia, says the “Pastoral Review,” and has been shown by the division to be responsible for such diseases as phalaris staggero, which condition most commonly occurs in the autumn and winter months following the grazing of young phalaris shoots which emerge after autumn rains.

Frequent drenching with cobalt, solutions is effective in combating phalaris staggers, but is impracticable with large • flocks. Topdressing of pastures with cobalt fertilisers is too expensive for large properties and, in any case, its effects may be short-lived. Salt licks are unreliable.

The heavy cobalt “bullets” appear to offer an effective answer to the problem. They are inexpensive and easy to administer. One dosing should protect for many months, probably for some years. Although the technique has only reached the trial stage, it seems likely that suitable “bullets” will be developed which will remain in the rumen for the whole life of the animal and will continue throughout to provide the very small amount of cobalt that is so essential.

The "bullets” are simple to manufacture. The clay and cobalt oxide mixture is mixed with water to a plastic state, extruded into ’ a rod and cut as in brickmaking, and finally baked at temperatures of up to 900 degrees Centigrade. The bullets are estimated to cost about one penny each.